Fashion Fever: Radiant Orchid Bridesmaids

Fashion Fever by Demi Bourous
There are so many questions  and options when it comes to bridesmaid dresses; style, length, and most importantly color. Fortunately, Pantone’s Color of 2014 makes at least one of those decisions a little bit easier! Radiant Orchid is a fun and fresh pink color that’s sure to please and easy to incorporate into any season.  If you recall,  2012’s was Tangerine Tango,  and 2013 was Emerald Green both of which are beautiful but often difficult for certain skin tones to pull off.  This years color is much more universally flattering so if you’re looking at bridesmaid dresses then this should be your go to color! Remember, we’re brides that love our friends and want them to be just as comfortable and beautiful as we are on our wedding day; after all, pictures (and good friends) last a lifetime.  Allowing them to help pick out their dress style is a great “bonding” experience and will make them feel special and confident on the wedding day.  **Special Tip: It’s best to do this one on one so you aren’t overwhelmed with competing opinions…a la SYTTD Bridesmaids

You can find a beautiful selections of bridesmaid dresses at many bridal stores and boutiques. Our favorites stores include Bridal Reflections (NYC), Bella Bridesmaid (locations across US) and Henkaa for those amazing wrap dresses. Be sure to check out the Alvina Valenta, Allure Bridals, Bill Levkoff, and Eden Bridals collections for the perfect dress.  Radiant Orchid is a great color to carry throughout the wedding too, as it’s a natural occurring color in flowers (hello orchids!) and easy to incorporate into decor and stationary.  Stumped on how to pair it?  Here are our favorite color combos:

radiant orchid with lavender, navy, plu, & smoke grey

Radiant Orchid & Navy

Radiant Orchid & Plum

Radiant Orchid & Smoke Grey

Radiant Orchid & Lavender

Trendy Wednesday: Mismatched Bridesmaids

Trendy Wednesday: Jenna Paniccia

Shopping for a wedding dress is like purchasing a new car. It has to be perfect, stunning, magnificent, and screaming your name from a mile away. Yes, you the bride are the center of attention, but your bridesmaids want dresses that make them feel just as stunning. Looking for the perfect bridesmaids dresses no longer needs to be a huge issue. Everyone has a difference of opinion, from what color looks best on them, to what cut flatters their figure, the list goes on and on.

When planning this big shopping day, approach it with an open mind. Give your bridesmaids options.

1. Pick a color scheme. Pick one color that you want the bridesmaids dresses to be and let them pick the best silhouette for themselves. If you really want to be daring and outlandish pick a color spectrum for the ladies to choose from.  Seeing different dress styles and colors can truly make a wedding come to life.  Not sure what colors go together?  Grab a couple paint swatches – they’ll give you variations on the color you want and you won’t have to worry about clashing!
2.  Different lengths are fun too! Shorter dresses a little above the knee have become quite popular. It’s more of a sophisticated-trendy look.
3. Play with pattern! Dresses that have touches of lace, stripes, and even embroidery can give your bridesmaids individuality that defines their personalities.
4.  If you don’t love the idea of having different bridesmaids dresses, try different colored shoes. Having the ladies pick their favorite shoes is a dream come true.

If you’re still not sold on the idea of mismatched bridesmaids, look for inspiration from the Sex and the City Wedding. How fabulous did those ladies look that day?!

Photo Credit: boards.weddingbee.com, rootedinloveweddings.wordpress.com, bellethemagazine.com, blogs.aexknows.com, weddingsbylily.com, beauxandbelles.net, blog.kristeenlabrotevents.com, feministe.us

Fashion Fever: Wardrobe for Wedding Season!

Fashion Fever by Alyssa Aiola

As Summer is fast approaching and wedding season is in full swing, it is crucial to have the perfect wedding attire all ready in your closet.  And whether you’re on the guest list for beachside, backyard or black tie ceremonies this summer, you’re likely wondering exactly what you should wear to those nuptials. I mean lets face it, just because it isn’t your big day doesn’t mean you cant look glamorous too! Dressing for a Summer wedding allows for a lot more fun, especially if it is an afternoon wedding!! Lets also keep in mind that just because it is a Summer wedding doesn’t mean you can show up in t-shirts and shorts by any means, even if it is a backyard wedding.  Also if you find that you have way to many weddings to attend over the next 3 months you could save some money by renting a dress! Rent the Runway has an incredible selection of designer dresses to choose from at any length for any type of occasion!  Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts when picking out the perfect wedding attire for a Summer wedding as well as a few great wardrobe picks:

From left to right clockwise; Cache, Badgley Mischka from Rent The Runway, J Crew, J Crew, Allison Paris from Rent The Runway, Express, Express, J Crew

Do’s

• Dress for time and place: Afternoon ceremonies tend to be more casual than evening soirees, so first take into account what time the event is taking place. At noon, it’s perfectly appropriate to wear a summer sundress or pastel skirt, while at six, it’s more fitting to wear a satin or chiffon cocktail dress. Many weddings nowadays call for a wardrobe change between a low-key ceremony and fancy reception. Determine how much to dress up or down according to the time and venue of the event.
• Color: The best way to show up to a Summer celebration is in color, especially if the affair is in the afternoon. We love Summer colors like turquoise, melon, strawberry and Kelly green. We recommend both J Crew and Express this season for the perfect colored gown. We even love the idea of a pastel colored floor length gown for a black tie affair, be bold!
• Floral: Wear a floral print if the wedding is taking place in either a backyard or a garden! Be careful with what shoes you select, you don’t want your heels digging into the grass!
• Length: With temperatures scorching we understand why the hemline might come up a little bit more then normal. Make sure your dress is always tasteful and not to short, knee length is perfect!
• LBD: Every girl needs her safety line in the back of the closet. Make sure you ALWAYS have a little black dress on hand since you never know when you might need it. Even though we love the idea of wearing color to a Summer wedding, you really cant go wrong with a black dress, especially at night.

Don’t:

• White: No matter what time of year it is, but more so in the Summer, never wear white! Unless the bride requests her guests to wear white, you definitely do not want to be that girl that everyone is talking about!
• Black: If you are going to an afternoon wedding, don’t wear black. This means it is a lot less formal and thi could be the perfect time to throw in some color.
• Short: Whether we are talking about wearing shorts you would go golfing in or the actual length of your dress being too short, their both unacceptable attire!
• Neckline: You don’t want to get your clubbing attire mixed up with your wedding attire. Avoid plunging and low cut necklines, you can wear them the next weekend when you are going out.

Now that you have an idea of exactly should be in your closet for Wedding Season all you need to do is play up your accessories and shoes! This could be the best part, especially with jewelry because it can give you that little extra pop of color. Share with us your favorite picks to wear this wedding season by writing on our Facebook page, replying to this post or tweeting us!!

Fashion Fever: Spring Chill Jackets!

Fashion Fever by Alyssa Aiola

Just because your having your wedding on a beautiful spring day doesn’t mean you wont need a little warmth, and no were not talking about pashminas! Designers have created fresh new options for wrapping yourself up in style for Spring 2013. These looks will for sure get rid of those chattering teeth and goose bumps at the alter. Compared to current fall wrap trends, which are extremely heavy with the use of fur and knits, the spring cover ups are extremely light and airy. In order to keep the edge off a slight spring breeze yet also add drama, Designers are using light organza, lace and tulle toppers.  There are many different styles in which you can pick to make the spring air tolerable such as jackets, shawls, capes, shrugs, wraps and now toppers. We love the look of a lace topper over a sleeveless gown to add that extra POW! Contrary to popular belief, shawls or wraps worn over wedding dresses will neither detract from the style of the dress, nor will it hide the beauty of a carefully chosen gown. Another tip to keep in mind is that your wrap doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy with your dress. Consider adding another element to your look if your gown is on the simple side, like color or a cluster of crystals. Try a piece that adds drama to a clean moment or a quiet piece.

Amsale,(Images from top left to right) Oscar De La Renta, Pronovias, Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier, Alfred Angelo, Ines Di Santo, Amsale,

Let us know which style you would fight the cold in on your wedding day by writing on our blog, Facebook or even tweet to us!

 

Fashion Fever: 3D Flowers

Fashion Fever: By Alyssa Aiola

Flowers on your wedding day are a given. It’s a tradition that even dates back to ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, the bride and groom wore a garland around their necks, symbolizing new life, hope and fertility. Traditional Celtic bouquets included ivy, thistle and heather. The garland was not made of flowers but of strong-smelling herbs and spices. The strong-smells were thought to have mystical powers and meant to keep away evil spirits. In ancient China, orange blossoms were used to represent purity, chastity and innocence, while Sarcasen brides carried them as symbol of eternal love and fidelity.

         Now lets fast forward to the most recent bridal shows we saw this year in 2013. All over the runway designers are showcasing styles that reveal a new take on this time less idea: the 3D Flower.  These exaggerated floral details that appear to be in full bloom are popping up everywhere on trims, bodices, and even entire skirts.  You can find this trend all over the runway  in all different styles from slim modern looks to full blown over the top gowns.

 (Left To Right) Liancarlo, Kenneth Pool,  Kevin Hall,  Judd Waddell, Claire Pettibone 

Liancarlos dress looks like a piece of artwork and with a blush shade keeps things feminine and glamourous. This elaborate Kenneth Pool gown takes the trend to a whole new level with a full skirt of flowers, and the fitted, beaded bodice keeps it from coming overwhelming. This dreamy halter gown by Kevin Hall is light and airy and would be the perfect fit for the demure, romantic bride while Judd Waddell takes more of a modern approach to the 3D flower.Claire Pettibone’s whimsical dress looks like it can be worn by the Queen of the Fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Let us know what you think of the 3D trend and if you would ever be bold enough to try it!

Fashion Fever: Peplums!

Fashion Fever by Alyssa Aiola

When it comes to showing off your silhouette, there is no look that is more versatile then the peplum! It has been one of the fastest growing trends that has taken the fashion world by storm this season by showing up on the runways in blazers, jackets, shirts, tops, dresses and now wedding dresses. It is amazing to watch this trend unfold yet again since it was the biggest fad in the 1940’s as women wore peplums to give wartime outfits more excitement during strict fabric rations. The definition of peplum is a “short overskirt” but we would like to think of it more as an abbreviated flared fabric that adds dimension to any waistline and skirt. Whether or not you are daring enough to try this new trend, there is a peplum dress out there that is perfectly tailored to your body shape and style.  The key to finding the perfect peplum dress is in finding the right proportions for you in either a more oversized and asymmetrical look, a sleek and simple approach or a cropped and airy feel.  Here are a few of our favorite peplum looks from designers 2013 fashion shows. Let us know what you think and if you have been successful in finding the perfect peplum dress for your big day!

From top left clockwise ( Carolina Herrera, Christos,  David Tutera, Amsale, Sassi Holford, Davids Bridal)

Manic Monday: Say No to Alterations Nightmares

Manic Monday by Corine Brosseau

Most brides will agree that their wedding dress is one of the most important parts of their big day. However, they often come with lots and lots of unwanted aggravation and anxiety as we discussed in our last Manic Monday post on finding “The One”. Unfortunately, dress stress doesn’t end once you’ve said chosen your soulmate gown. What comes next can turn into the worst nightmare of them all: ALTERATIONS.

Image courtesy of Realce Photography

Here are some key tips on how to avoid the expense and trauma of extensive alterations:

• Make sure you find someone you trust implicitly to do your alterations. It’s important to find someone who specializes in bridal fittings as not all alterations jobs are created equal! Most bridal salons provide in-house alterations, however, if they don’t offer this service, sites like Wedding Wire provide indexes of recommended vendors that should fit the bill.
• Time your fittings right! Don’t get started too early, as pre-wedding stress can cause fluctuations in your measurements. However, if you start too late, there’s a chance your dress won’t be finished in time and rush orders can hike up the cost of your alterations dramatically! As a general rule, give yourself about 3 months for the alterations process and all fittings to be completed.
• Don’t panic!! It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you get to your first fitting and everything just looks wrong. Trust that your seamstress will be able to turn the dress into the perfect fit. Calmly explain what you’d like fixed on the gown and have faith in the fact that your seamstress will work with you to get it to perfection. Nobody likes being yelled at.
• Always bring the proper shoes and undergarments to your fittings. These items will definitely have an effect on how the look comes together.
• Keep consistent in your diet and exercise regime once the alterations process starts. Accept that you’re you and your body shape is beautiful. Trying to lose more weight or fill out curves after the start of fittings usually just ends with higher expenses and more complex alterations. No matter what your body shape is, your seamstress will make sure you look like a perfect 10 in your perfect dress on your wedding day.
• Include an estimate for the price of alterations in your dress shopping budget. Don’t give your bridal consultant a price range that is at your absolute cap! Aim for at least a few hundred below your max budget so that alterations don’t put you over where you wanted to be spending wise.

TOD’s Tip Of Day: Always Trust Martha

Listen ladies, I’ve been telling ya’ll to trust Martha Stewart since she first introduced me to Robbin’s Egg Blue when I was just a wee teenage boy in the small town I shall not mention here. This to die for Carolina Herrara gown from Martha’s recent Bridal Fashion Show with a touch of that gorgeous blue we love so much reminds me of how true it is. Class, all the way. And that sleeve!

(From Martha Stewart Weddings) The details: Carolina Herrera gown, worn with Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz earrings, Harry Winston necklace, M&J Trimming ribbon, Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz brooch, Oscar de la Renta cuff, Ever After Miami and Memoire ring.

TOD says “A little blue goes a long way on your big day!”

Fashion Fever – So many fabrics, only 1 dress!

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

So you’ve just been proposed to – CONGRATS! Date is set, venue is booked, and bridesmaids are chosen, there’s only one minor problem, YOU’RE DRESSLESS!  That’s ok, deep breaths! Fashion Fever is here to help, exploring different fabrics used for bridal gowns.  There are many types of fabrics built into the silhouette of the dress so we will only be going over a few (you can’t spend too much time reading about fabrics – you got to get out there and look for a fabulous gown!)

Vera Wang

Organza is a crisp fabric.  It is thin enough to just accent some bridal gowns but strong enough to be the entire base of others.  It is very similar to chiffon but has a heavier foundation.

• Pro: Organza has the most romantic feel!  Perfect for a Romantic Fall wedding.
• Con: Organza is very easily wrinkled and must be steamed properly to relieve the wrinkles. PR loves Vera Wang organza ballgown!

Charmeuse is a very lightweight fabric, which forms and contorts to your body’s shape and movement.

• Pro: It’ll show off that dedicatedly worked-out bridal body!  Check out Private Reception’s Lauren Coopers “Sweat the Stress Away: Bridal Workouts!”  blog for tips to help get into great shape for your big day.
• Con: In photos the fabric may come across too clingy so be aware of the dress’s shape at all times.

Chiffon is a very lightweight and sheer fabric.  This fabric–radiating with a fashion fever–adds dimension to any bridal gown, contributing to the dress with subtle texture.

• Pro: The Perfect summer dress!  Its weightless feel will keep you cool for any warm summer day!
• Con: This very thin knit fabric can be easily ripped!  Be very, very careful when handling your gown.

Oscar De La Renta

Silk is a word that defines itself!  It is very elegant and always helps those who wear it portray class!  This fabric can be infused making up different types of silks such as silk faille—a glossy silk with hard texture, silk taffeta—a mid-weight silk with a polished look, silk crepe—an opulent texture with a soft feel.

• Pro: Studies show that silk fabrics can enhance your inner calmness, which is perfect for calming nerves on your wedding day!
• Con: The dress may turn yellow if ironed improperly, so be sure to trust the shop that you bring your gown to! Check out Oscar de la Renta’s Silk Razmir strapless gown with ruffle detail. One of our June brides wore this gown and it looked so couture! To see photos check out our Private Receptions Facebook Fan Page, the “Sarah & Michael” album.

This is only the beginning brides-to-be!  The best way to picking your fabric is trying on gowns of different types to see which you’ll love for your wedding day!

Fashion Fever – Flower Power

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Flower girl!  The word speaks for itself; it’s a word that describes cute, adorable, and playful all rolled into one.  Flower girls can be the mini versions of your bridesmaids from dress and shoes to hair and accessories.  They want to be dolled up as much as you do, so have fun with the cute idea of little girl(s) walking down your ring bearer or throwing petals on your runway to your groom.  Here are some Fashion Fever tips for dressing your flower girl.

Try Fox’ n Lily for a wide variety of dresses.  They offer sleeveless to keep your flower girl cool during these hot summer months or sleeves to keep your flower girl comfortable during a winter wonderland wedding.  The dresses are designed with embellished jewels, satin sashes, and lace overlays, depending on what you’re looking for they have it all!

If you’re looking for something full of tulle try Etsy.  They have over 200 dresses and tutus for any flower girl walking down the aisle. Some may be a bit over the top for an everyday wear but the loads of tulle create the perfect flower girl ensemble.  Try Dreamspun for unique handmade dresses.  Each dress is handmade when ordered! So you’re flower girl will look like one of a kind!

First row l. to r. White dress with green sash: Fox' n Lily, Gold sequins flats: J. Crew, Flower girl walking down aisle: Johanna Grace, Flower girl sitting on the stairs: Fox' n Lily, Flower girl baby: Johanna Grace Group of 3 flower girls: Dreamspun Tangerine Headband: J. Crew, Red flower girl dress: Dreamspun, White and lavender dress: Fox' n Lily, Flower girls and ring bearer: Johanna Grace, Cream lace dress: Fox' n Lily, Pink flower hair accessory: Fox' n Lily, Vintage tiara: Fox' n Lily

Don’t neglect your flower girl fashion!